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Full Time Exotic Animal Trainer Jobs in Springfield, IL

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Industrial Electrician - Macon, IL

Taylorville, IL · On-site

$59K - $108K/yr

Industrial Electrician - Macon, ILThis is a full-time, non-exempt positionPosition Summary:We are ... Company-sponsored training and development resources, such as LinkedIn Learning, language training ...

All JobsExotic Animal Trainer JobsFull Time Exotic Animal Trainer JobsFull Time Exotic Animal Trainer Jobs in Springfield, IL

Full Time Exotic Animal Trainer information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$11

$26

$47

How much do full time exotic animal trainer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time exotic animal trainer in Springfield, IL is $26.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.80 and $30.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a full time exotic animal trainer?

Full time exotic animal trainers are professionals who work with non-domesticated animals, such as big cats, primates, birds of prey, marine mammals, or reptiles, to teach them specific behaviors or assist with their care and enrichment. These trainers may work in zoos, aquariums, animal sanctuaries, theme parks, or in the entertainment industry. Their responsibilities include developing training plans, monitoring animal health, ensuring proper nutrition, and promoting animal welfare. This role requires patience, strong observational skills, and a deep understanding of animal behavior. Full time trainers often work irregular hours, including weekends and holidays, to meet the needs of the animals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time exotic animal trainer?

To thrive as a Full Time Exotic Animal Trainer, you need expertise in animal behavior, handling, and training techniques, often supported by a degree in animal science, biology, or related fields and hands-on experience with various species. Familiarity with animal management software, safety equipment, and certifications such as animal first aid or professional trainer credentials are commonly required. Patience, strong observational skills, and clear communication help trainers build trust with animals and collaborate effectively with team members. These competencies ensure the safety of both animals and humans while promoting positive animal welfare and successful training outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by full time exotic animal trainers, and how are they typically addressed?

Full time exotic animal trainers often encounter challenges such as building trust with animals that have diverse temperaments, ensuring safety for both animals and staff, and adapting training methods to suit each species' unique needs. Addressing these challenges typically involves ongoing education in animal behavior, collaborating closely with veterinarians and zookeepers, and maintaining clear communication within a multidisciplinary team. Trainers also spend significant time observing animals to tailor enrichment activities and training sessions, ensuring both the animals' well-being and compliance with ethical standards.

How to become a full time exotic animal trainer?

To become a full-time exotic animal trainer, individuals typically need a background in animal science, biology, or related fields, along with hands-on experience working with exotic animals. Certification from reputable organizations and strong skills in animal behavior, safety protocols, and training techniques are also important for securing full-time employment in this field.

What is a high paying job that works with full time exotic animal trainers?

A high-paying job related to full-time exotic animal trainers is often in zoological or wildlife management roles, such as zoo directors or conservation managers, which require extensive experience and education. These positions typically involve overseeing animal care, training programs, and conservation efforts, and they tend to offer higher salaries due to their responsibility level and specialized skills.

What are popular job titles related to Full Time Exotic Animal Trainer jobs in Springfield, IL?

For Full Time Exotic Animal Trainer jobs in Springfield, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Full Time Exotic Animal Trainer jobs in Springfield, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Full Time Exotic Animal Trainer jobs in Springfield, IL are:

What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Full Time Exotic Animal Trainer jobs?

Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Full Time Exotic Animal Trainer job openings:

Full Time Exotic Animal Trainer jobs near you

Certified Veterinary Technician

Alliance Animal Health

Springfield, IL • On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Alliance Animal Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 56 rated veterinary

Job description

Company Description
The Animal Emergency Clinic of Springfield provides emergency and critical care services when they are needed most. Our clinic is proudly supported by the Springfield veterinary community and is operational during hours when most regular veterinary practices are closed.
We are committed to collaborative, high-quality medicine. You can trust that our highly trained team delivers the best and most up-to-date emergency care possible for every patient that walks through our doors. We are open 24/7 to attend to emergencies as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Check out more about us by clicking here!
Job Description
Job duties include, but are not limited to:
Animal restraint, triage of incoming patients, collection and analysis of lab samples, diagnostic imaging, management and nursing care of medical and hospitalized cases with varying degrees of stability, administration of medications, effective communication of treatment plans with clients, surgical preparation and assistance, and anesthetic management.
Must be able to withstand unpleasant odors and noises. May be exposed to bites, scratches, animal waste and potentially contagious diseases.
Whether you're looking to just be a master of your role or trying to grow into that next career move, you'll have opportunities through a variety of virtual and hands on, interactive training and continuing development.
Qualifications
We're Looking For:
  • A Certified Veterinary Technician with an active license required, 1+ year professional experience preferred but not required.
  • Consistent punctuality and reliability in adherence to scheduled shifts.
  • Availability to work weekends.
  • Excellent client communication and medical record management skills.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of veterinary procedures, preventative care, and hospital operations.
  • Expertise in safe and low-stress animal restraint techniques.
  • Proficiency in various sample collection methods, including blood, urine, fecal, and skin specimens.
  • Experience in radiographic positioning and image capture.
  • Experience in anesthesia administration and surgical monitoring.
  • Commitment to professional ethics and continuous learning.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with exposure to animal-related hazards.

The ideal candidate will possess a combination of technical expertise and unwavering commitment to animal welfare in a dynamic veterinary setting.
Additional Information
Pay Range: $24 - $28/hr depending on level of experience. Shift differential is available!
We offer our staff:
  • Comprehensive Benefits (health, dental, vision, liability, 401k & 401K matching program, life & supplemental insurance, HSA, & FSA)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Paid Vacation and Sick Time for ALL Employees
  • Paid Bereavement Program
  • Paid Parental Leave Program
  • Competitive Compensation
  • Continuing Education Allowance (applies to licensed/registered/certified roles)
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program Available to any AVMA Accredited Veterinary Technology Program
  • Career Development Opportunities
  • Referral Bonus Program for most positions!
  • Additional Benefits May Also Be Available (i.e. Personal Pet Discounts, Holiday Pay, Uniform Allowance, Bonuses etc.)

Hiring eligibility may be contingent to a candidate authorizing and completing a satisfactory background check.
*Note - some benefits may only be available to or vary slightly for full time employment status vs part time status.
For additional details including our full equal opportunity statement, texting/outreach communication authorization, physical requirements of the job and more, please visit: https://allianceanimal.com/additionaljobdescriptiondetails/

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